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How to Become a Childcare Inspector

If you have a passion for the safety and well-being of children and a desire to make the world a better place, you may want to consider a career as a childcare inspector.

What does a childcare inspector do?

In the UK, childcare inspectors work in Ofsted, or the Office for Standards in Education, Childrens Services, and Skills. Inspectors may work directly for Ofsted, in which case theyre called Her Majestys Inspectors (HMIs), or on a contract basis, in which case theyre called additional inspectors (AIs). Both HMIs and AIs inspect childcare facilities throughout the UK to confirm that theyre in compliance with national standards. Tasks include:

Preparing for inspections by reading briefings and previous reports

Consulting with other staff members about any previous development plans and what progress has been made

Gathering feedback from both parents and other professionals

Visiting childcare centers on location

Rating the childcare based on how well it complies with national standards

Verifying that the center is providing for the safety and welfare of the children in its care

Taking detailed notes

Compiling written reports and making presentations

Giving feedback to the childcare center, including any steps they need to take to improve

Where and when do childcare inspectors work?

Childcare inspectors typically work a normal schedule, but that can vary when inspections are scheduled.

The ability to build rapport with the childcare providers youll be inspecting

Keen powers of observation

Accurate note-taking skills

The ability to consider all of the evidence and make a fact-based decision that is fair to all concerned

The ability to stay calm under pressure and in situations where the other party is tense or angry

The ability to present feedback in an assertive but tactful way

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Qualifications and entry requirements

A degree in a relevant field, like education, childcare, or social work

The ability to obtain Disclosure and Barring Service clearance

At least five years of leadership experience in a child-oriented role (as a head teacher, for instance)

A track record improving the facilities in which you worked

Training

Once youre hired, youll begin induction training. That includes training sessions, practice/training inspections, and the support of a mentor. You would also be inspected to pursue continued professional development and to stay current on any legislation or other factors that would affect childcare.

Job prospects

National Careers Service projects that there will be an additional 43,000 inspectors working in the UK between now and 2020.

Few things are more important than the health and safety of our children. As a childcare inspector, you could be confident that you were doing a job thats essential to the well-being of children and their families.